Happy New Year to all our members and friends! 

 
After being nomadic for most of 2021, we are delighted that we have been able to secure a space again at Bedminster Methodist Church.  The hall continues to be used as a vaccination centre, but there is another charming room we can use at the church with easy access.
 
For our first meeting of the year, we are delighted to have Judi Edwards, a former Malago WI member join us.  Judi of Fire and Sand Glass Design has been working with glass in a variety of formats for 7 years. Being originally trained in the traditional skill of leaded glass she has extended her work to include foil (the “Tiffany” method) and fusing in a kiln. She regularly sells her work at craft fairs and creates work on commission.
 
The presentation will consider the history of glass and will look at different ways of working with glass as a hobby/craft at home. Judi will explain both “cold” and “hot” work as well as demonstrating some basic techniques. A number of examples will be provided to inspire participants to take up this exciting and creative activity.
 
The last year has meant it has been difficult to raise funds, so we hope you can help us in a few ways.  If you have any unwanted gifts or books, please bring them along.  We will raffle unwanted gifts at February’s meeting and set up a second-hand book stall at each meeting should you want to pick up a new read.  We also have some merchandise left from the Christmas fair we took part in during December, so please bring some cash along to pick up some lovely handmade items.
 
We want to make sure are meetings as safe and enjoyable as possible.  We will ensure that the room is well ventilated and there is hand sanitiser available.  Although face coverings are not a requirement, please feel free to wear them.  We would also be grateful if you could consider taking a lateral flow test before you attend a meeting. 
 
Our new room is located in the main church building.  When you arrive, go to the entrance via the metal ramp and through the opposite door. 
 
We are really looking forward to seeing you.  If you haven’t been for a while, why not make it a resolution to attend or even bring a friend.
 
See you on Wednesday 26^th, 8pm start.

 We had a such a lovely time at Farahaway Café making macramé plant hangers at our last meeting.  Some of us have already caught the bug to make more!

 
Our November meeting will be the last one of 2021.  As a change to our normal meeting day, we will be getting together on Monday 22nd November for our long awaited special private Theatre Walk with Sheila from Show of Strength Theatre Company for an historical tour with a difference. Show of Strength have re-booted their amazingly successful and highly acclaimed theatre walks for the autumn/winter season, and we are delighted to invite our Malago WI members to join us for "Blood and Butchery in Bedminster".
 
"Bedminster — where graves were robbed by body snatchers, and corpses buried in concrete coffins. Where the old Chinese laundry vanished years ago, and where ‘laundering’ now means money, big money, 13 million, ‘laundered’ through a Bedminster bank. Where criminals were sentenced to hang in public, their cadavers flayed, their skin tanned and made into……the answer is in BLOOD AND BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER".  
 
We'll begin at The Ropewalk, 5 Nelson Parade on Bedminster Parade Bedminster,BS3 4JA meeting at 7:30pm and end at The Hen and Chicken, where those of us who are thirsty can stop for a drink and some pizza and those of us who wish to take their leave can do so. The tour will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
This event is free for members and spaces for guests are available at £5.
 
In 2021, we have been able to offer WI membership at a reduced rate, forgoing the Malago WI portion of subscriptions.  To enable us to offer an exciting face to face programme in 2022, we need to do some fundraising. With Christmas almost round the corner (sorry), we are excited to take part in a Christmas Fair at Bristol Distillery on Malago Vale Trading Estate, St John's Lane.  The Fair is on Saturday 4^th December 12pm to 4pm.  We will be selling cakes and crafts.  We need volunteers to make cakes (lemon drizzle cake, rocky road, brownies, biscuits) and help at the stall.  This is going to be a real family affair and we are excited to take part in a community event and promote our wonderful Malago WI.  If you can volunteer in any way, please contact wearemalagowi@gmail.com
 
We look forward to seeing you on Monday 22^nd November at 7:30pm!

 

Thanks to those who could join us for our quiz evening at the Hen and Chicken.  It was a great opportunity to socialise, have a natter and pit our wits against Quiz Master Vivienne. 
 
As the nights draw in, we are planning a cosy night at Farahaway Café on North Street for a macramé workshop.  Farah has had a passion for arts and crafts since she was younger - her mum had a craft shop, so she was always surrounded by creativity.  She wanted to share her love of crafts with others and thought a relaxing café environment with a space for workshops would be the perfect way to do that and bring a sense of community.
 
We will have the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of macramé and make a plant hanger to house your favourite plant. All materials, a hot drink and slice of cake or glass of fizz are included.  You will also be able to buy further snacks, cakes, and drinks.
 
Doors will open at 7pm for a prompt start at 7:30pm.  We have 20 spaces so if you would like to attend, please email wearemalagowi@gmail.com by Sunday 24^th October to reserve your place.  Guests are welcome at £10 each.
 
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.  Held at the beginning of January, this is a great way to brighten up the dark nights and celebrate the wonderful schools and community groups which make up Bedminster.  They are looking for marshals to help at the event, so if you are interested, please contact Stef Brammar for more information.
 
We hope to see you next week for an evening of crafting and chat.

September news....

 

Our Summer of outings closed this year with a thoroughly entertaining walk and talk with Ed Hall along the harbourside
 
Due to the continuing vaccination programme, we are not able to return to the hall at British Road this month.  So, we continue our tour of Bristol venues.  This month we will be heading to a friendly local, the Hen and Chicken for a very British tradition, the Pub Quiz!
 
Our very own Vivienne will be putting together some trivia and brain teasers to test the grey cells, whilst ensuring we have some fun.  In teams of up to four, you will be able to test your knowledge and pit your wits against Malago WI’s Quiz Master.
 
This is a great opportunity to have a drink and chat, so please feel free to bring along a friend (or two!)
 
We will be in the Chicken Shed at the Hen and Chicken from 7:30pm for an 8pm start. Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the bar.
 
We hope to see you there. 

August news......

 

Extreme weather conditions did not stop us enjoying stories of great Bristol women courtesy of Jane Duffus and the Women that Built Bristol at Redcatch Community Garden.  Luckily their fabulous new marquee provided ample protection from the elements!
 
We are out and about again in August with Ed Hall.  Ed is a mine of information and has become a familiar face to visitors and locals alike having been doing commentary tours around the Floating Harbour for over 40 years. During the last decade he has been guiding various walking around the docks and central areas of Bristol with events for M Shed, the Civic Society and the Bristol Walking Festival. Our walk will start at Wapping Wharf in front of M Shed and then around a bit of the docks and along some of the New Cut before finishing back at Wapping Wharf at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps. Ed will explain some of the history of the area and how the docks got converted from its extreme tidal form to what became the largest enclosed 'Floating Harbour" in the world in 1809.
 
As the nights are drawing in, we want to make the most of the daylight so please meet outside M Shed, at the Prince Street Bridge end, from 7pm for a 7.15 start and we should be finished around 8.30pm ready for a glass of wine or a beer in one of the bars along Wapping Wharf.
 
We hope to see you there.  Please contact Avril 0780 395 4120 if you need to on the day.
 
We hope to see you there.